Carp Leads

Carp Leads: indispensable for an effective carp rig

Carp fishing is often done statically, with a fixed setup of rods, Bite Alarms and a rig on the bottom. In such a rig, Carp Leads are a crucial link. The lead ensures the proper anchoring of your hooklink and plays a direct role in hooking the fish. Without Carp Leads your rig lacks grip, drifts away due to current, and you miss the self-hooking that modern carp fishing relies on.

The right choice of Carp Leads

The range of Carp Leads is very diverse. Depending on the type of water, bottom structure, distance and fishing technique, you choose a suitable weight, shape and color. For example, there is compact distance lead for long casts, grip lead for flowing water and square lead that stays perfectly on a soft or sloping bottom. There is also a choice of color: use sand-colored lead on light bottoms and dark green or black on dark substrates to avoid scaring wary carp.

Inline lead and Swivel Leads: what suits you?

Carp Leads come in two main categories: inline lead and Swivel Leads. Inline lead you slide over your leader or main line, which ensures a direct and aggressive hooking. Ideal for short distances or clear water. Swivel Leads you attach via a lead clip, often in a safety rig. This makes it easy to replace and safer for the fish in case of line breakage. Swivel Leads are also often used in waters with obstacles or soft bottoms, because you can let the lead ‘drop’ when there is a bite.

What weight of Carp Leads do you need?

The right amount of lead depends on your spot. On a calm park water, 60 to 80 grams is often sufficient. Are you fishing in flowing water such as a river? Then you quickly need 120 grams or more to keep your rig in place. For extreme distances or deep water from a boat, even 200 grams or heavier may be needed. Always pay attention to the casting weight of your rod.

For standard carp rods, the following guidelines apply:

• 2.5 lb: approx. 75 grams ideal casting weight

• 3 lb: approx. 120 grams ideal casting weight

• 3.5 lb: up to 150 grams for extreme distances

Back Leads and flying backlead: line invisible and tight

In addition to standard Carp Leads, many carp anglers also use Back Leads or a flying backlead. This makes your main line sink tight to the bottom, so you have less trouble with line swimmers or boats. Especially on busy or shallow waters, this can make the difference between catching and blanking.

Order Carp Leads? Everything available from stock

Whether you choose inline lead, Swivel Leads, Back Leads or a combination: with us you will find a complete range of Carp Leads in all shapes and weights. All products are directly available from stock at competitive prices. Combine your Carp Leads with matching hooklinks, rigs, carp bait and accessories for a complete setup. Order easily online and receive your order within 1 to 3 working days. Free shipping from €75 in Belgium and the Netherlands.